Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-05-19

Il
It is given out that they are
all welcome to come to it and enjoy
its services. They are even
invited and urged to come. But they
do not accept the invitation, at least
the most of them do not. while many
of them turn away from it, sometimes
in GOODNESS. and often with kind Of
disgust and bitterness. What is the
reason? Is it solely because of their
badness. or has the style of the church
something to do with it? Ithas stained
glass, beautiful frescoes. handsome
chandeliers, carpets. rugs, cushions
do these attract the people or repel
them? Would they be more religious
if the church was palmer? And then,
| further, would the influence of the
church be greater if it were made
more plain in order to accommodate
the tastes of those who make its ele-
gance a reason for not attending it?
1t is urged, of course, that church
doors are open to those who will enter
them. The desire, also, is expressed
that all classes will feel free to COM
mingle in the house of God, and minis
tiers and other officers, and the men,
bers resent the suggestion that they
mean to put, or do put. Il barrier in the
way of any who arc willing to join
them in their worship. Their SIM
cerity is not to be doubted. They
would fercely resist proposition to
write above the doors: This
church has no accommodations
for the poor" Having given
their money to build and furnish it,
they are ready to give more if only by
that means they may attract the peo-
pie whom they see without the Gospel.
But they are working in the wrong di-
rection. Their means are used mis-
takenly. The man or woman with the
threadbare clothing. and the boy or
girl whose shoes are broken will not
feel at home amidst such surroundings.
and though they may have some wish
to be among Christians and to have the
advantage of the church. they will re-
press it under the feeling that the
place of worship is disagreeable. They
should not feel SO; it is pride, per-
haps. that gives them such feeling;
but they are human and can not be ex-
pected to get clear OF their human
weaknesses.
The revival in church building that
has gone on in many directions. is
worthy of all praise. Some of the old
church buildings were not respect
able. They were neither good TO use
or look at. The disposition that has
led the people to tear them down is
proof that there is growing acknowl-
edgement of the fitness of things, and |
also an increasing reverence for Him i
in whose name the tabernacleS are
builded. 1t is the abuse OF this, SO |
good in itself. thai becomes an evil.
Good taste, cleanliness. convenience |
aud comfort should always be consid-
cred, and an effort made to secure
them. But when elegance is thought
of there is need of caution. 1t may be
in place. for the people for whom
it is provided may find it suitable for
them; but it is more likely to exist as
reflection upon the teachings of Him
who was friend of publicans and SIN
ners and preached the Gospel to'the
poor. The Plymouth Church, out of
which has 50 recently died its pastor.
is noticeable for its plainness. and to
this. perhaps, was due the fact, in
part. that it gathered so democratic a
company OF worshipers. No house is
the worse for being beautiful but at
the point where luxury begins and at
which elegance becomes the chief at
traction there should be wise weigh
ing of results before proceeding fur
ther.-United Presbyterian.